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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

LONG distance runner Isaac Mpofu is grateful to his family, friends and workmates following his recent success at the Valencia Marathon in Spain on Sunday where he broke the national record for the second time in four months.

Mpofu crossed the finish line in 2:06:47 to break the national record of 2:07:57 which he set in July on his way to finishing in position 10 at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in the United States.

Zimbabwean Olympian, Cuthbert Nyasango had previously held the national record of 2:09:52 before Mpofu broke his long-standing milestone.

“Family and friends thank you so much for the support. All my commanders at work, thank you so much for the opportunity to train preparing for these races,” wrote Mpofu on his facebook timeline.

Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madenyika also hailed the athlete for his performance.
“He has worked hard to get the results he has been getting. We always talk about the principle, train, repeat, compete and l believe it is something that he has mastered well,” said Madenyika.

Isaac Mpofu

Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum won the men’s race in 2:01:53, the fastest debut in history while Gabriel Geay of Tanzania was second with a personal best time of 2:02:59.

Kiptum’s countryman Alexander Mutiso clocked 2:03:29, for third position.

The Valencia Marathon, also known as Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP for sponsorship reasons, is an annual marathon road running event held in Valencia, Spain, since 1981.